Types of Licenses
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission will perform thorough checks and inspections of any new applicant for one of their licenses. A company will have its reputation, past, and financial standing inspected alongside checks on other requirements that will need to be adhered to.
The main types of licenses offered by the KGC are:
Interactive Gaming License (IGL)
There is only one interactive gaming license available from the KGC and this has been held by Mowhawk Internet Technologies since 1999. This license allows a company to provide a hosting facility in Kahnawake for all approved CPA’s.
Client Provider Authorization (CPA)
This is the license that all online gambling providers, including online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. This will enable them to provide their interactive gaming services from within Kahnawake under the terms, regulations, and conditions set by the KGC.
Inter-Jurisdictional Authorization (IJA)
Any online gambling provider that is already licensed in another jurisdiction. This license enables them to move some or all equipment, personnel, and services to Kahnawake.
Key Person License (KPL)
At least one KPL is required and granted alongside a CPA to online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. This license is required for anyone who operates managerial or operational roles for the CPA applicant.
Advantages of a Kahnawake Gaming License
Among the advantages of obtaining a license from the KGC include:
- Tax Benefits: the government of Kahnawake does not impose any corporation tax or any other additional gaming taxes on online gaming operators operating within their jurisdiction.
- Relatively Low Fees: Compared to other regulatory bodies around the world, the KGC offers some of the most affordable fees for both annual and applied.
- Refundable Fees for Failed Applications: all application fees can be refunded if an application for a license fails.
- Location: the KGC is the only regulatory authority that regulates online gaming that is based in North America. Furthermore, located just 20 minutes from Montreal, personnel are able to take advantage of a good quality of life.
Kahnawake Regulation Areas of Focus
The KGC has a number of core basic principles, and put simply, these are:
- To ensure that only the most reputable people and companies are licensed
- To strive to ensure that games are fair and that players will be paid
- That the young are protected from the dangers of gambling
- That the required safeguards are in place to prevent criminality
Software Testing and Licensing
Any casino applying for or currently holding a license with the KGC must be able to show that their games are genuinely fair. The KGC makes use of a number of third-party auditing firms to carry out testing on the games and software of an online casino. This is both during the application process and continually and randomly throughout the duration of a license.
There are seven third-party auditing firms that the KGC uses and these are:
- Scout Intelligence Inc.
- Triton Canada Inc.
- BMM Testlabs
- Quinel
- eCOGRA
- Gaming Associates
- iTech Labs
How to Achieve Kahnawake Licensing
For an online entity that is seeking a Client Provider Authorization (CPA) license, numerous requirements, forms, and fees will have to be fulfilled. The whole process is not overly complicated, however and can be completed within four to eight weeks.
- CPA Application Form
- Business Entity Information Form
- Personal Information Form
- Key Person License Application Form
- Control System Submission
- As for the costs involved, the application fee alone will cost $40,000 for the CPA and $5,000 for each Key Person License (at least one will be required). Then the annual fee will be $20,000 for the CPA and $1,000 for each KPL. Once the two-year duration of a license has/is coming to an end, those interested in renewing will have to pay a renewal application fee of $5,000 for the CPA and $2,500 for each KPL. All application fees can be refunded if an application is not granted.
Conclusion
The Kahnawake Gambling Commission might not be as strict or reputable as the likes of the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority, but it is still one that you can trust. We believe that any casino licensed under the KGC is one that we would classify to be fair, secure, and safe for players to enjoy.
